Digital literacy vs. tangible books

This summer, I was challenged with an incredible summer course in young adult literacy, thank you Dr. Pendergrass!  We explored adolescent issues and the best ways to teach students through literacy.  Dr. P reminded us "We do not teach literature, we teach students.  We use literacy to teach students."

Given a list of 30ish young adult novels to choose from, I debated whether to buy the hardcover books or purchase them on my ipad.  Being the cheapskate that I am, I went for the cheaper option.  The paperback versions were usually cheaper, (especially on Half.com) but some newly published novels were priced the same on the ipad.  (Check out the Vandy summer YA lit list!)

Now that our course is complete, I am left with the question- which is better? Digital books or tangible books?  My benefits list for each:

photo from wired.com

Digital books: 
- Forget the big box of books! It is all digital, easy to carry
- Easy access: thanks to the iCloud
- Highlighting text couldn't be easier
- Lights up!  No need for a flashlight to read in bed
- Always there, it lasts as long as the ipad is around
- Easy to reference, I love selecting the notes and all the highlighted or bookmarked pages pop up
- Trendy, digital, modern, sleek

Real books:
- There is something special about a new book- the smell, the cover, the pages (Okay, yes I am a nerdy reading teacher.)
- You can pass it along.
- Easy to share. That is part of the joy of reading when you can pass on (literally pass on) a great read to someone else.
- Sticky notes, bookmarks, highlighters, underlining- a good reader interacts with the text.  This seems natural with a real book.
- The fact that I call it a real book shows I may be a bit partial.
- Cheaper?  Usually paperbacks can be found used for a few dollars.
- Bookshelves! are beautiful and make for great home and office decor


So I ask, which is better?  Where will the idea and act of reading be in 5, 10, 15 years?  How do we as teachers prepare our students for the digital generation to come?  I'd love to hear (read) your thoughts! :)

To teach the love of reading, I must first love reading

I must share the summer course reading list.  (The list was compiled by Dr. Hundley and Dr. Pendergrass at Vanderbilt Univ.) These titles are YA lit and are mostly geared toward middle/high school students.  Some include racey topics, always read before recommending to students.  The best lesson I have learned this past year: To teach the love of reading, we must be readers.  I often used the lack of time as an excuse not to read.  This summer forced me to literally Drop Everything And Read!  Once I made time to read frequently, I found myself in love with reading again.  I found myself immersed in the plot and talking about characters like they were friends of mine.  It is worth it.  Read!  Read for fun and for learning.  Then, teach others to do the same!

Happy Reading! and may the odds be ever in your favor...
(I have marked my personal favorites)

** 13: Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy... - James Howe (short stories)
** Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- Sherman Alexie
The Arrival- Shaun Tan (graphic novel, immigration)
American Born Chinese- Gene Luen Yang (graphic novel)
** Beastly- Kyle Kingson (modern day Beauty & the Beast)
Dark Eden- Patrick Carman
Drums, Girls, Dangerous Pie- Jordan Sonnenblick
** The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
** Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan (zombies, sci fi)
** Getting Away With Murder- Chris Crowe (non-fiction, civil rights)
Marcelo in the Real World- Francisco X
Mississippi Trial- Chris Crowe (realistic fiction based on title above)
Out of the Dust- Karen Hesse
Hey 13- Gary Soto (short stories)
** Holes- Louis Sachar
** Homeless Bird- Gloria Whelan (historical fiction, Indian culture)
** Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins (dystopian lit)
Inexcusable- Chris Lynch
The Lightning Thief- Rick Riordan
Locomotion- Jacqueline Woodson
** Mockingbird- Kathryn Erskine (autism, school shootings)
My Name is Not Easy- Debby Dahl Edwardson
No More Dead Dogs- Gordon Korman
** Okay for Now- Gary Schmidt
Probably Still Nick Swanson- Virginia Wolff (special needs)
Raised by Wolves- Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Riot- Walter Dean Myers (NY riots, historical fict)
Rot and Ruin- Jonathan Maberry (zombies)
** Skeleton Creek- Patrick Carman (horror for middle school, video diary online to pair with reading)
So B. It- Sarah Weeks
Speak- Laurie Anderson
Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963- Christopher Paul Curtis
** Who Am I Without Him?- Sharon Flake

Middle/High school teachers out there, which pop culture lit titles would you add to the must read list?  

Are there any of the above that you love and/or love to teach?

This year, I'll be starting the year with a unit using short stories with 13- Howe.

photos from amazon.com